Imperial FFA had four of its members earn State Degrees, and were formally recognized last week at the state convention. They included, from left, Trace Helser, Dawn Castle, Shaylee Heathers and Molly Luhrs. (Courtesy photo)

FFA has banner week at state convention

Imperial is selected one of 17 ‘premier’ chapters

By Jan Schultz The Imperial Republican

Imperial made its name known in Lincoln last week, bringing home a load of awards in team and individual competition at the 89th Nebraska State FFA Convention.
In all, three teams were state champions and qualified for nationals this fall in Indianapolis, and three members were individual state champs for their FFA proficiencies.
The Imperial FFA also found out at state convention its chapter was named one of the 17 Premier Chapters in the state.
Imperial’s state championship teams included:
Sr. Parliamentary Procedure, and team members Shaylee Heathers, Molly Luhrs, Kayla Schilke, Logan Mendenhall, Stevie Johnson, Ryelee Christensen and Emma Ferguson;
Marketing Plan, with team members Emma Ferguson, Jack Bauerle and Molly Luhrs;
Conduct of Chapter Meetings (formerly junior parli pro), with team members Valerie Herbert, Brooklyn Christensen, Ashley Bubak, Jozie Schilke, Austin Bernhardt, Courtney Odens and Alexis Richmond.
Imperial FFA had six students in the state’s top three in their proficiency areas. Three of them were state champions, meaning they will move onto national competition.
State proficiency champions were Molly Luhrs, Kayla Schilke and Lauren Prior.
Luhrs is the state Grain Production Placement champion. She works at Luhrs Certified Seed.
Lauren Prior earned the top spot in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Entrepreneurship. Her business is Priority Seating.
Kayla Schilke took top honors for Food Science and Technology Entrepreneurship. She bakes and sells cakes and cupcakes.
Ryelee Christensen and Eric Chavira’s proficiencies were state runners-up, while Dawn Castle was third overall.
Proficiency applications highlight FFA members’ Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), Vlasin said, and first must go through district scrutiny before they even get to the state level.